Abstract:
Methods and reagents are used to determine the presence of human fecal contamination. These relate to detection of human crAssphage, a bacteriophage present in Bacteroides.
Abstract:
A rapid and continuous separator or equilibrator to separate a gas from a liquid includes a venturi and injector, a mixer and a free overfall stream to separate a gas from a liquid. The injector introduces a carrier medium into the liquid which provides a reservoir for the gas to diffuse into as the liquid and carrier make a single transit through the apparatus. The separator was developed to enable real-time estimation of methane concentrations in ground water during purging. Real-time monitoring allows evaluation of trends during water well purging, spatial trends between water wells, and temporal comparisons between sampling events. These trends may be a result of removal of stored casing water, pre-purge ambient borehole flow, formation physical and chemical heterogeneity, or vertical flow outside of well casing due to poor bentonite or cement seals. Real-time information in the field can help focus an investigation, aid in determining when to collect a sample, save money by limiting costs (e.g. analytical, sample transport and storage), and provide an immediate assessment of local methane concentrations, Four domestic water wells, one municipal water well, and one agricultural water well were sampled for traditional laboratory analysis and compared to the field separator or equilibrator results. Applying a paired t-test comparing the new separator or equilibrator method and traditional laboratory analysis yielded a p-value 0.383, suggesting no significant difference between the two methods for the current study. Additional field and laboratory-based experimentation and potential modification of this device are necessary to justify use beyond screening at this time. However, early separator or equilibrator use suggests promising results and applications.
Abstract:
A real-time system and method for personal air pollution exposure and inhaled dose management is described. A personal device (e.g., smartphone) determines personal exposure and inhaled dose metrics (e.g., daily accumulated dose), and compares daily histories of these metrics with personal health histories (e.g., self-reported daily asthma symptoms/inhaler use) to provide notifications when adverse health effects (e.g., asthma exacerbation) are likely to occur. The system notifications provide a personalized exposure/dose management tool by recommending behavioral changes to reduce exposure/dose (e.g., change time-location, time-physical activities, building operation). These behavioral changes are then used by the system to modify the real-time exposure and dose determined by the system.
Abstract:
A flow imaging and monitoring system for synchronized management of wide area drainage that includes an interposer for supporting monitoring and management equipment in a manhole, a module for illuminating water flowing in pipes at the base of the manhole, a module for monitoring responses to reflected light, a sealed and rechargeable battery pack, and a data analysis and management system to interpret data streams in real time. The interposer can be adjusted to fit the diameter of the manhole and can be adjusted to be placed under the manhole cover. The module for illuminating the flowing water can be adjusted to generate various frequencies. The support structures for the modules can be adjusted for varying pitch, roll and yaw with respect to the manhole. The data analysis and management system is supported by cloud computing.
Abstract:
In the drinking water industry, pilot plants have played a big role in assisting water professionals, utilities, and engineering firms in generating information about the behavior of large full scale systems. Due to the identification of new contaminants, stringent regulations, and demand for improved water quality the demand for novel water treatment challenges across North America have significantly increased. A portable evaluation pilot skid (PEPS) accommodates all water qualities. A vent valve screen is mounted inside the contactor with holes large enough to prevent clogging. Air is introduced into the contactor prior to the screen. The screen is mounted such that it breaks the air into small bubbles creating the effect of a stone diffusor. Air flow is easily adjusted with a needle valve.
Abstract:
A method of inactivating B antracis spores in a contaminated target environment by: exposing the environment containing said spores to an effective amount of persulfate in solution and an oxidation agent, and allowing the persulfate solution and oxidation agent to remain in contact with the environment containing said spores for sufficient time to inactivate the spores.
Abstract:
A monochloramine microsensor includes an elongated housing defining a central axis and an open interior and having a capillary opening at one end. A semi-permeable membrane covers the capillary opening, the semi-permeable membrane allowing diffusion of chloramines there-through while preventing water from entering into the interior of the housing. A chloramine sensitive element in the form of a wire, fiber or nanotube is mounted within the housing, the chloramine sensitive element, when used in conjunction with an anode, outputs current in an amount proportional to the concentration of chloramine present in a liquid sample in which the chloramine sensitive element is immersed. The chloramine sensitive element extends along a length of the central axis to a first end adjacent to and spaced from the semi-permeable membrane. The chloramine sensitive element is a gold wire, a platinum wire, a carbon fiber or a carbon nanotube.
Abstract:
A method for detecting dog-fecal contamination in a sample, comprising assaying the sample using a nucleotide sequence based genetic assay which comprises contacting the sample with at least one nucleic acid molecule having the nucleic acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, the nucleic acid sequence being capable of binding to a nucleic acid sequence in the sample, and detecting binding of the nucleic acid molecule to the nucleic acid sequence in the sample, wherein a presence of binding is indicative of the presence of dog-fecal contamination in the sample; the nucleic acid molecules; and a kit comprising at least two of the above-described nucleic acid molecules.
Abstract translation:一种用于检测样品中狗粪便污染的方法,包括使用基于核苷酸序列的遗传测定来测定样品,所述方法包括使所述样品与至少一种具有SEQ ID NO:1,2或2所示核酸序列的核酸分子接触, 3个,4个,5个,6个,7个,8个,9个,10个或11个,核酸序列能够结合样品中的核酸序列,并检测核酸分子与核酸序列的结合 样品,其中结合的存在指示样品中粪便粪便的存在; 核酸分子; 以及包含至少两个上述核酸分子的试剂盒。